Jeremiah Helm and Sean Murray Analyze Federal Circuit Ruling on “About” and Patent Claim Indefiniteness in Law360
In their latest Law360 column on recent notable Federal Circuit decisions, Knobbe Martens partners Jeremiah Helm and Sean Murray analyze the Federal Circuit’s decision in Enviro Tech Chemical Services, Inc....
Aerospace Update | June 2026
Applied Aerospace & Defense’s IPO Signals Continued Momentum in Defense Manufacturing Jacob S. Etling Ongoing geopolitical tensions are leading to an increase in defense-tech contractors filing for IPOs. Aerospace &...
Litigation Update | June 2026
Access Plus Similarity Starts the Clock for Trade Secret Misappropriation Claims Inzer C. Ni & Jordan A. DeOrio A trade secret misappropriation claim accrues when the plaintiff knew or should have...
One Definition and the Walls Come Down – District Court Dismisses Copyright Claim Based on Misclassified Cabinet Registration
Key Takeaway: A federal district court dismissed a copyright infringement claim on the grounds that the work in the asserted registration had been improperly classified under the Copyright Act. This...
What the USPTO’s New 30-Day Director Review Deadline for Decisions Instituting Trial Means for PTAB Petitioners and Patent Owners
Key Takeaway: In a precedential decision in Light & Wonder, Inc. v. Evolution Malta Ltd., U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Squires extended the deadline for requesting Director Review of...
Sound Marks – They Are More Than Just “Alright, Alright, Alright”
Key Takeaway: Non-traditional trademarks like sound marks can provide valuable protection for distinctive sounds that function as source identifiers, particularly where other forms of intellectual property protection may be unavailable....
Amendments to Mexico’s Federal Law for Protection of Industrial Property Inform More Flexible International IP Strategy for Biotech Companies
Key Takeaway: Amendments to Mexico’s Federal Law for Protection of Industrial Property align more with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office standards for restoring priority and application revival, increasing international patent...
Knobbe Martens, Partner Brian Horne Honored as Finalists for Tech Industry Litigation Department and IP Attorney of the Year at California Legal Awards
Firm honored for delivering more than $1 billion in jury verdicts and multiple landmark IP litigation wins IRVINE, Calif., June 25, 2026 – Leading intellectual property law firm Knobbe Martens...
Public Funding for Energy Innovation Impacts Private Intellectual Property Rights
Key Takeaway: The value of intellectual property developed using government funds depends upon compliance with disclosure and licensing rules. Public investment is critical to the development and commercialization of energy...
PTAB Update | May 2026
USPTO Director Signals Continued Pro-Patent Discretionary Denial Policy at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Ted M. Cannon In a precedential decision in Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. v. Kurin, Inc.,...
FDA to Drop 510(k) Requirements for Certain Low-Risk Devices, Lowering Barriers to Entry
On June 5, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued updated guidance stating its intent to exempt certain unclassified medical devices from premarket 510(k) requirements, and that the FDA believes the identified device...
Ben Katzenellenbogen Discusses Deckers v. Quince UGG Design Patent Trial with Legal and Fashion Industry Media
In interviews with World Trademark Review, MLex, and Women’s Wear Daily, Knobbe Martens partner Ben Katzenellenbogen shared his insights on a recent California district court decision in a design patent...
Federal Circuit Review | May 2026
May Federal Circuit Newsletter (Japanese) May Federal Circuit Newsletter (Chinese) When “About” Runs A-Fowl of the Definiteness Requirement In Enviro Tech Chemical Services, Inc., v. Safe Foods Corp., Appeal...
2 Bankrupt Crew – Intersection Between Bankruptcy and Copyright Law
Key Takeaways: Two members of rap group 2 Live Crew, and the heirs of a third member, attempted to terminate a transfer of copyright ownership in several records the group...
When ‘Any Patent’ Means No Patent: Federal Circuit Reverses Non-Specific Verdict
OLLNOVA TECHNOLOGIES LTD. v. ECOBEE TECHNOLOGIES ULC [OPINION] Before Chen, Cunningham, and Stark. Appeal from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Summary: A verdict form...
Structuring Solar IP Claims for Leverage: How System Claims and Induced or Contributory Infringement Can Expand Enforcement Options
Key Takeaways: Nextpower’s mix of apparatus and system claims illustrates how claim strategy can expand enforcement flexibility. Additionally, carefully drafting patent claims can expand the scope of protection of the...
The Supreme Court Reins in ISP Copyright Liability in Cox Communications v. Sony Music
Key Takeaway: In Cox Communications v. Sony Music, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that an internet service provider (ISP) cannot be held liable for contributory copyright infringement based on...
How CNN’s Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Perplexity AI Could Alter the Fair-Use Landscape
Key Takeaway: CNN’s copyright infringement lawsuit against Perplexity AI stands apart from prior AI copyright cases because of allegations that Perplexity pursued a licensing deal with CNN, failed to reach...
Greg Phillips Speaks With World Trademark Review on Trader Joe’s Trademark Infringement and Anti-Counterfeiting Suit
Knobbe Martens partner Greg Phillips, Co-Chair of the firm’s Trademark and Brand Protection practice, was quoted extensively in the recent World Trademark Review article, “Trader Joe’s Targets US Distributors in...
Skinny Labels at the Supreme Court: Carving Out Room for Generics to Breathe
HIKMA PHARMACEUTICALS USA INC. et al. v. AMARIN PHARMA, INC., et al. Jackson, J., delivered the opinion for a unanimous Court. Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for...
Sashank Krothapally and Ryan Newell Recognized by USPTO for Pro Bono Patent Prosecution Work
SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK, June 15, 2026 – Knobbe Martens is proud to share that associates Sashank Krothapally and Ryan Newell received the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent...
